|
Actually, this post should come first as part one because my brother’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration took place at the end of our European trip. We began our three-week adventure through Northern Europe at the start of August, choosing to travel by train instead of driving. We purchased a rail pass that granted us access to nearly all European countries. After arriving in Frankfurt, we took a train to Koblenz, a charming town where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet. Koblenz is known for its rich Roman history, beautiful old buildings, and stunning scenery of mountains and vineyards. There are many castles and attractions to see. Even Viking River cruises stop here. My husband and I decided to take it easy and recover from jet lag. After all, we’re not as young as we used to be! We enjoyed daily walks. Once in Koblenz, we strolled down to the river and found a cozy spot to enjoy a beer and a schnitzel. A lovely way to start our trip!
On our second day in Koblenz, we enjoyed a river cruise. It was a memorable experience with plenty to see, and we truly enjoyed ourselves. We did some shopping and celebrated my birthday at a Michelin-starred restaurant—what a treat. We ran into trouble with our railroad app. A very smart person at the Bahn office in Köln finally fixed it, but before that, it was a real pain in the tush, to say the least. If I ever buy another pass, I will insist on having the paper version. After Koblenz, we took the train to Brussels. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. We stayed near the Grand-Place, also called the Grote Markt, which is the historic heart of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's memorable for its ornate guildhalls and the Hotel de Ville (city hall) with its bell tower hovering over the square. It is rich in layered symbolism that reflects the city’s history. The small cobblestone streets around the center are filled with shops, restaurants, and large crowds of people. The next day, we walked to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. We enjoyed the artwork and the stroll to and from the museum. It took us away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. There’s nothing better than sitting on a park bench and watching the locals. We ate some delicious mussels and drank some beer. One of the highlights was riding in a carriage powered by an electric motor, driven by a knowledgeable driver who was fearless and navigated right through the crowds. I'm glad we visited Brussels, but I wouldn't want to go back. There were too many people, and the noise near our hotel was disruptive. I think we're at an age where we prefer a more peaceful setting. That said, we still enjoyed our three-day visit. And of course, we only saw a tiny part of this city. Stay tuned for my third and final post of our European trip.  These German meatballs, known as Königsberger Klopse, are a favorite among my German friends. The white sauce is flavored with capers and a touch of lemon. Click here for the recipe  Flammenkuchen or Flatbreads like this are sold throughout Germany; they are similar to a crispy pizza. Click here for the recipe  Frikadellen are a classic German meat dish, similar to meat patties or flattened meatballs.
Click here for the recipe
12 Comments
 Lüneburg My dear friends, it has been a while since I posted, and there's a reason for that. I just returned from a three-week vacation in Europe. We chose August because my brother and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In Germany, it's called a Goldene Hochzeit (golden wedding). I missed his 25th anniversary, so I was determined not to miss this one. It was fun, and I got to see many people I hadn't seen for years. We celebrated in a local pub in the neighboring village. The pastor came and gave a blessing, the mayor offered some kind words, and then it was time for a feast of food, starting with lunch. The lunch began with a wedding soup (my absolute favorite). However, this version was a little more flavorful than mine. The main course was Rouladen (beef roll-ups).There was also a pork roast, potatoes, red cabbage, and plenty of gravy—my favorite.  Two hours of reminiscing with old friends followed, and then it was time for the Kaffe und Kuchen (coffee and cake). My brother’s friends baked the cakes, some of them well into their eighties. I have admired these women for their baking skills. They are truly amazing. One of my brother’s neighbors and good friends lost her husband of 60 years. After a walk through the village and some play, it was time for Abendbrot (evening bread), which included a buffet of sliced meats, salmon, and various breads. After many hours of good food and company, it was time to go home and digest. The kids had converted the old wedding film into a digital version, and we watched ourselves 50 years younger. Ouch! My nephew provided us with his main bedroom in his house on the farm. He is a skilled craftsman and was successful in a German rock and roll band. My husband and I enjoyed our luxurious accommodations.  Holding the new baby is worth all the hassles of travel. My niece and her family were also visiting, as were my girlfriend’s daughter and her family. It was wonderful to visit for five days.
Why do I call this our European vacation? Before visiting the farm, my husband and I spent two weeks traveling through the Rhine Valley into Belgium and the Netherlands, then to my niece and her family in Lüneburg for four days. Stay tuned for more posts about our European trip. Here are some recipes you might enjoy  This is one of my favorite soups; it's perfect for a Sunday project on a rainy day. Click for the recipe here.  These rouladen are a quintessential German dish. They are slow-cooked and make a great presentation on any table. Perfect for a fall day. Click here for the recipe.  If you want to go all the way German, try these potato dumplings. The recipe comes from my German girlfriend Monika. They will go well with Rouladen or any meat dish as long as there's gravy. .Click here for the recipe  This sweet and sour red cabbage is one of my favorite winter vegetables. It has earned a prominent place on my table and has pleased many.
Clickk for the recipe here. Guten Appetit and happy travels from the sunnycovechef |
WELCOME TO SUNNY COVE CHEFThank you for visiting my blog. My two passions are cooking and traveling. Traveling exposes me to a wide variety of food and experiences. I walk around cities looking for markets, restaurants, bakeries, shops, you name it, and if it is related to food you will find me there, tasting, smelling, talking to vendors, and having a great time. Categories
All
Archives
September 2025
|
RSS Feed